Dreams come true...

[Shadorne Profile]

http://kenrockwell.com/audio/benchmark/dac1-hdr.htm#intro

this is a reveiw of Benchmark DAC1 HDR which I find written in a very relevant, informative, practical and competent way. There are some other similar reviews on the site.
If only magazines did such useful reviews...

I have found Ken's advice on Nikon cameras to be very good.

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

Update -

I am going multichannel all-active! Will also try 7.1 by adding passive surround backs and see if the extra channels are worth anything.

I am starting with 'activating' the rears so replacing the old monitor audio floor-standers with AVI DM5 actives. They are signal sensing, so I will not have to bother with power on/off.

Undecided re the centre. Considered ATC C3ca as their smallest centre active but it is large, heavy (near 40kg) and extremely expensive. There are one or two other makes for mid sized centre actives e.g. A single AVI ADM9 or Adam Audio Artist 6h, but not sure if other makes' centres will blend well with ATC L and R which is critical.

One day I would like to upgrade to an av processor featuring Audyssey xt32 but will wait till those come down in price.

[MattSPL Profile]

Sounds good, although I think you would be best to stick with all ATC across the front.

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

Sounds good, although I think you would be best to stick with all ATC across the front.

I agree!

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

All active 5.1 on hold as I am still undecided on the centre. I just got the new curved scm7s for rears instead so now have all-ATC 5.1 - active fronts and sub plus passive centre and surrounds.
No short term plans but mid term will go all active 5.1



I also upgraded the receiver to one with Audyssey 32XT. Works well.

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

[MattSPL Profile]

Some nice upgrades How do the new scm7's sound?

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

Have not tried them as mains but as rears - excellent! I imagine as mains will be the same.

[MattSPL Profile]

Have not tried them as mains but as rears - excellent! I imagine as mains will be the same.

Sounds good I believe the new tweeter is excellent.

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

My system is a bit simpler now -
I have sold the Benchmark (I really really liked it but it was redundant) and got rid of the homeplug network (all-Apple wifi is more stable than homeplugs!). I also replaced the macmini with an imac and now stream to av receiver via apple tv and to multiroom via airport expresses. less boxes, same sound and same convenience.

[MattSPL Profile]

Sounds like a tidy setup

Are you
Still enjoying the 50's plus c4 sub?

Cheers
Matt

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

Oh, yes. Do not know any orher for the money that could beat it.

[MattSPL Profile]

Oh, yes. Do not know any orher for the money that could beat it.

Glad to hear it

[AlmaataKZ Profile]

A long overdue post about system updates:

I got a set of b&w mm1s for the beedroom, which are excellent for this purpose, but

I have since replaced them with avi dm10s which I find absolutely fantastic.

I also installed a pair of genelec 6010as in the kitchen and find them great.

So now I have a 5-zone all-active multiroom system based on apple aiplay.